Ever since Redruth’s win at the Recreation Ground against the Cornish All Blacks back in October, the Polson faithfull have been waiting the return fixture to make amends, and in fine style to with an impressive 19-8 win over their old rivals from down the A.30.

A spectacle of running rugby it was not, yet it was full of passion, pride and toil and played for the most part in good spirit, both on and off the pitch! You can read my full match report on the main site via the link here.

Mount’s Bay suffered another defeat at the Mennaye at the hands of high flyers Cambridge with all the scoring completed in the first half at 28-3. It’s been a tough week for Mount’s Bay with news that the “credit crunch” has hit the Penzance club hard. They however been given some good fortune when the news came through that Esher who had defeated Bay at the Mennaye in the 4th round of the National Trophy had been thrown out of the competition for fielding an ineligable player, thus handing them a plum home tie in the 5th round at home to London Scottish.

Sunday afternoon saw the Cornish Pirates take on bottom side Manchester in National League 1. The Camborne pitch it has to be said is not at it’s best at present, especially with all the bad weather we have had in recent days. It made goal kicking a lottery, with not one kick at goal succeding. All the points came from tries with the Pirates running out winners 25-10. For the Pirates tries were scored by Rhodri McAtee, Brian Tuohy(the pick of the bunch), Iva Motusaga, Marika Vakacegu and recent signing Blair Cowan. In truth it wasn’t a five star performance and the Cornish Pirates looked to be playing well within their capabilities. They will miss McAtee and Tuohy when they both go off on 7’s duty with Wales and Ireland respectivley. Hopefully a few players will be back soon, I spoke to Bertrand Bedes before the game and he is resuming training this week and is raring to get back playing as soon as possible. Allez Bertrand!

The presentation last Monday in Penzance for the fund raising via the supporters for the Cornish Pirates went well with one piece of news to emerge that Chris Stirling will be returing to the club in the new role of High Performance Manager on a 2 year contract.

In the regional Tribute leagues, in South West 2 West, a good win for St. Ives who are comming good once again. Visitors St. Mary’s Old Boys were out to the sword 52-3. Will Dirksen maintained his fine scoring record with another couple of tries, with Kyle Armstrong, former Red, Craig Williams, Ben Taylor, Hino Robin and Karl Martin all crossing for the Hakes. Martin added seven conversions and a penalty to complete the rout.

It wasn’t a good day for Cornish clubs in Western Counties West with all four sides losing. In the battle between second and third, Kingsbridge got the better of Wadebridge Camels 13-10, a late drop goal giving the South Devon side the win.

League leaders Cullompton defeated Newquay Hornets 27-14 to maintain their top spot. Rob Ley scoring the Hornets try with Sam Cullen kicked three penalties.

Bude played the other Hornets (Weston), losing once more 39-17. Will Kingdom and Martin Green scored tries for Bude with Ollie Raynor converting both scores and a penalty.

Camborne’s poor season continues and the prospect of relegation looms as a real possibility! They lost for the eigth time this campaign the latest reversal at home to Devonport Services 27-23. Nigel Endean and Andrew Notman scored tries for the Town, both converted by Dave Mankee who also added three penalties.

After their Senior Vase exit last week, London Cornish hoped to bounce back in the league at home to Winchester in London 3 SW, instead they lost 14-11. DoR Dickon Moon’s report will be in the link.

Better news from the Cornwall & Devon league where leaders Penryn bounced back from defeat at Bideford to win at previously second placed Okehampton 15-14. A late try from Chris Mann sealed a great comeback from 14-0 down at half-time. Mann scored the Borough’s opening try as well with Darren Pellow also touching down.

Truro move up to second after a big win at home to Plymstock, 67-3. Tim Gay scored a hat-tick of tries with Mark Lea and Matt Trevail each scoring a brace. Other scores came from Ross Martin, Michael Patterson, Justin Irons and Scott Martin.

Hayle lost at home to Crediton 11-3, Paul Lello kicking a penalty for the Lions.

Saltash completed a league double over Falmouth to register only their second win of the season 26-8.

The CORNISH PIRATES did the buisness on Sunday afternoon at Camborne safely dispatching National League 2 side Southend 24 – 0 to advance into today’s 5th Rd EDF-Energy National trophy draw at HQ. Tries by TASC’s Cornwall U,20 player for 2008 prop Paul Andrew, who yesterday made his senior debut for the Pirates, Iva Motusaga, Nicky Griffiths and Rhodri McAtee saw the Pirates home in difficult playing conditions, Jimmy Moore added a couple of conversions. Good to see club skipper Addy Winnan make a welcome return after injury also a debut for young Kiwi flanker Blair Cowan who signed this week from Wellington.

All eyes and ears will be on tonight’s EGM at the St. John’s Hall in Penzance when Dicky Evans will outline the funding package for next season to members.

NATIONAL TROPHY 5TH RD DRAW, NOTTINGHAM V CORNISH PIRATES

Not such good news for the two other Cornish clubs who played in the 4th Rd. The Cornish All Blacks lost their tough tie at home to Birmingham & Solihull 15-10 after extra time. No. 8 Sam Hocking, TASC’s player of the year in 2008, opened the scoring with a try in the first half. The visitors levelled in the second half before Ryan Westren put the All Blacks ahead once more, before the Bees levelled again before nicking the tie with a third try in extra-time.

The result was more clear cut at the Mennaye were National League 1 side Esher proved too powerfull for Mount’s Bay running out comfortable 43- 5 winners, Mike Molloy scoing Bay’s only try near the end.

Cornish representation ended in the EDF-Energy Senior vase as both Camborne and London Cornish bowed out at the 5th Rd stage. Camborne found Western Counties West league leaders Cullompton too hot to handle losing 28 – 9. Dave Mankee kicked three penalties for the Cherry & Whites. London Cornish lost to Trojans 16 – 0, a side who play in league below them.

Better news in the EDF-Energy Junior Vase 6th Rd where both Cornish sides still in the competition progressed. Liskeard & Looe defeated Gloucester 2 side Bream 16 – 0, whilst St. Austell defeated Gloucester 1 Chipping Sodbury 28 – 13.

There was also local cup rugby with a 1st Rd tie in the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup where St. Ives knocked out the holders Wadebridge Camels 42 – 0, scoring six tries, to avenge a 50-13 defeat to the Camels last season in the same competition.

There were also two Skinners Brewery Cornwall clubs cup quarter-finals played at the weekend with Helston defeating Lankelly-Fowey 11-10 and Stithians defeating Veor 25-17.

One game played in the Tribute Western Counties West league involving Cornish clubs, as Newquay Hornets travelled to Bude and won a close game 7-5. Sam Cullen scored and converted his own try for the Hornets, whilst Ollie Mounce got a try for Bude.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, leaders Penryn travelled to Bideford only to lose 17 – 13. Syd Savaas scored a try for the Borough. which Taron Peacock converted, Peacock also added a penalty and Marek Churcher a drop-goal.

Truro fared little better at Tavistock were they lost 17 – 10 scoring a couple of tries through Chris Gilbert and Tim Gay.

In retrospect perhaps the cold snap should have contined a little while longer as all three of our National League clubs involved in action over the weekend lost!

Wharfedale’s last gasp win at Redruth on Saturday has opened up the National League 2 title chase once again. The Dalesman 15-14 win was a deserved victory, both sides came to play rugby, sadly for Redruth they gave an error-strewn performance, though I do feel that Redruth’s head coach is a little hard on himself shouldering the blame in his post match comments after the game. At the end of the day once, the players cross the whitewash it’s up to them to play the game, I feel sure that they will look at their performance and agree it was not one that they will be proud of, and will be keen to put matters right Saturday week up at Polson against the Cornish All Blacks. As Hambly went on to comment it’s only a game of rugby with far worse things happening in the world.

Sadly Hambly’s comments didn’t have to stretch from the world of rugby this weekend as less than 24 hours after Redruth’s defeat, news came across the channel of the sad death of a rugby player in a French Federale 1 game between Cahors and Perigueux. Perigueux’s Tongan back row player Feao Latu, 28 years old, collapsed after 17 minutes of the game from a suspected heart attack. I am sure everyone connected with Cornish rugby will wish to send their condolences to the player’s family and the Perigueux club at this very sad time.

The Cornish All Blacks made the long trip to Tynedale as their game survived a late pitch inspection to go ahead. The northeners as you would expect adapted far better to the conditions to race into a 29-7 half-time lead. The visitors had a Jason Luff try and a Mal Roberts conversion on the board. An early second half penalty by Roberts cut the deficit before they were awarded a penalty try, Roberts adding the extras but that was as close as they got as Tynedale claimed all five points.

On Sunday the Cornish Pirates almost pulled off a win at Meadow Lane against Nottingham with Dicky Evans looking on from the stands. Leading 19-9 with fourteen minutes to go the Pirates coaching team made a triple replacement, which disturbed the balance of the team , allowing Nottingham to score two converted tries to pinch the game 23-19! For the Pirates Rhys Jones kicked four penalties and a conversion whilst scrum-half Nicky Griffiths knicked in for a try.

A very much reduced program in the Tribute regional leagues due to the weather. In South West 2 West, St. Ives went down to another defeat in South Devon losing at Torquay Athletic 24-15, Will Dirksen and Louis Stevens scored tries for the Hake with Karl Martin kicking a conversion and a penalty.

In Western Counties West, just one game involving a Cornish club was played as third placed Wadebridge Camels hosted first placed Cullompton. In a close exciting game the Devon side came out on top 20-5, Rob Hawkey getting the Camels only try.

Only one game in the Cornwall & Devon League played at Falmouth where Hayle won 10-0 with flanker Steve Pointon scoring the Lions’ try with Paul Lello adding the conversion and a penalty.

It was a cold but sunny Saturday afternoon in Camborne for the Pirates first home league match of 2009 and as has been the norm this season it was another one of those rollercoaster afternoons with as many twist and turns in the plot as you find in a good Agatha Christie novel. The press benches were somewhat deserted with it being a Saturday coupled with the call of the FA Cup 3rd Rd, which saw our fellow scribes visiting the Emirates and the not so grandly named Plainmoor. Interesting though with the EDF-Energy National Trophy 4th Rd ties to be played in two weeks time to draw a parallel with soccer and rugby’s take on Cup competitions, a theme that Mark Stevens touched on in today’s Western Morning News. Rugby has struggled with the concept of cup competions at a national level ever since the RFU introduced a National KO Cup competion back in the early 1970’s, in fact the cup wasn’t even a cup, it was a lump of wood with an engraved plaque on it!!! Then of course the Cup got a sponsor, John Player were the first, and a cup. The trouble though was every time a new sponsor came along, they had to have a new cup, so whilst everyone knows that the FA Cup is the FA Cup, no one could remember what the Rugby Cup looked like. This is one of the reasons why Rugby and Cup competions are a complete shambles, you need tradition to build up an image of an event.

I digress, the Cornish Pirates eventually put the disappointment of their heavy defeat up at Exeter Chiefs behind them dispatching Otley 55-13, despite playing most of the match with only 14 men after prop Dan Seal got his marching orders from referee Mr. Knowles after 30 minutes for punching. You can read my match report along with head coach Mark Hewitt’s reactions post match on the main site match reports in the link.

In National League 2 a mixed bag of results, the Cornish All Blacks enjoyed a morale boosting win defeating Waterloo 103 – 5 at Polson scoring 16 tries in total, with loanee signing Jason Luff helping himself to a hat-trick. It is very sad to see a famous club like Waterloo in such dire straits and to see the club hammered like this gives no pleasure to true rugby fans. I hope that the corner can be turned and that the club can re-build once more. In these difficult financial times there are many who will privately think “There but for the grace of God…..”

Redruth made the first of their “long trips” away, to Blaydon and came away with a 13-13 draw, after trailing 13-3, they hit back with tries from Mark Bright and Paul Thirlby to tie the scores, a late drop-goal attempt by Mark Scrivener cannoned off a post, so it could have been all four points ! With many games being postponed, fixture backlogs will do nobody any favours, Redruth stretched their lead at the top by another two points.

Mount’s Bay lost the game they had to win at home to Stourbridge 14-9 to complicate their ever decreasing chances of survival in National League 2, or at this level for next season! With a trip to Birmingham next up and then the visit of Cambridge, January looks like a hard old month for the Bay, not to mention Esher in the Trophy, tough, very tough!

Only one re-arranged game in the Tribute league with St. Ives finally playing Brixham and losing out 16-11 in the South West 2 West encounter.

Two Preliminary Round Skinners Brewrey Cornwall Cup ties played, Falmouth won for the first time this season defeating Saltash 37-19 at the Rec, whilst Hayle defeated Newquay Hornets 13-10 in a tight affair. Falmouth now face Bude and Hayle will entertain Camborne in the 1st Rd proper, other ties will see Truro host Penryn and St. Ives face holders Wadebridge Camels, ties to be played by 18/01/09!

I read in the Rugby Times this week that scrummaging guru Keith Roach has called on Cornishman Phil Vickery to lead the Lions in South Africa. Well after watching the “Raging Bull” in action for Wasps against Harlequins on Sunday I wouldn’t be surprised if Martin Johnson appoints him as England skipper during the 6 Nations and he goes on to lead the Lions, he’s right back to the old Vickery that we have followed through thick and thin over the years.

When I read in the Western Morning News the Pirates side to face Exeter at Sandy Park last Saturday there was a sharp intake of breath and a muttering along the lines of “…this doesn’t sound too promising!” Regretably that initial observation proved all too accurate as the Cornish Pirates slipped to a heavy defeat by 38-7 against a side that had seen their slim hopes of promotion to the Guinness Premiership next season all but extinguished in their last two performances, a draw at home to Esher, followed by defeat at Leeds Carnegie. The Chiefs confirmed their win at Camborne earlier in the season by again showing the gulf in class between the two West Country rivals. Trailing to a first half try by Chiefs classy winger Josh Drauniniu and once again lacking a recognised goal kicker to capitalise on chances that came and went, the Pirates were undone by a second half onslaught by the Chiefs dictated in part by former Pirate fly-half Gareth Steenson. Further tries through Paul McKenzie, Sean Marsden (2), another former Pirate Matt Jess and Tom Bedford sealed the win for Exeter. All the Pirates had to show for their efforts a try by Rhodri McAtee converted by Rhys Jones near the end to spare their blushes.

With the Cornish Pirates set to hold another meeting down in Penzance in the New Year, and with Dicky Evans to be in attendance, it will be interesting to hear what the fans views of the current season are, amongst other topics of interest!

No question as to the match of the day in Cornwall on Saturday, and for once Radio Cornwall got it right with Dick Straughan’s live commentary from the Recreation Ground. With over 2,000 people at the game and with even Pirate FM taking interest in the game for the first time in a long while the old ground was buzzing pre-match, just as in the “good old days!”.

Redruth’s 41-10 win over their west cornwall neighbours leaves them sitting pretty at the top of National League 2 going into 2009 with all to play for.

Whilst Redruth’s class eventually shone through, Mount’s Bay indiscipline from earlier on in the season came back to haunt them with avengence with scrum-half Mike Molloy yellow carded and then lock Jonny Griffiths red carded for throwing a punch, moments after Reds winger Nathan Pedley had been on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle, though it has to be said Griffiths was not the tackler. Reds’ fly-half Mark Scrivener had a good day with the boot kicking 21 points with 5 penalties and 3 conversions, whilst the Reds tries came from man-of-the-match prop Darren Jacques, winger Paul Thirlby with a brace and No.8 James Mann. Bay’s points came through a first half penalty from on-loan Pirate Doug Sanft who also converted Greg Goodfellow’s second half try.

The Cornish All Blacks set up an intriguing EDF-Energy National Trophy 4th Rd tie at Polson Bridge on the 17th January with Birmingham & Solihull following their 31-24 win at Wharfedale. Tries from Steve Perry, Hamish Smales and Jon Fabian plus the kicking of Adam Staniforth with 2 conversions and 4 penalties saw the Cornishmen home

On Sunday the Cornish Pirates gave their fans the best possible Christmas present with a 32-14 win in National League 1 over Coventry at Camborne. The Pirates were in rampant form running in 6 tries through Simon Whatling, Brian Tuohy, Mark Ireland, Marika Vakacegu (2) and Steve Winn, only one try was converted and that by Whatling. The Pirates will now turn their attention to their return fixture with Exeter Chiefs this Saturday up at Sandy Park. Revenge for their defeat at Camborne earlier in the season is on the cards.

In the Tribute regional leagues, in South West 2 West, St. Ives won their match against Paignton 17-7 with Karl Martin scoring a couple of tries and converting Hano Dirksen’s try.

In Western Counties West, the derby game between Newquay Hornets and Wadebridge Camels at the Sports Centre went the way of the visitors 41-13 with the Camels scoring five tries during the second half. Flanker Matt Angwyn scored 21 points with a try, 5 conversions and 2 penalties. Alisdair Maclennan, Shaun Hawkey, Dan Briskham and Ian Boyling scored the Camels’ other tries. For the Hornets Andy Dixon got a try with Simon Horton adding the conversion and 2 penalties.

Bude were nilled at Tiverton as the home side won 19-0.Camborne disappointed with poor home performance against Minehead Barbarians losing 35-7. Leigh Isaacs scored Town’s only try with Dave Mankee getting the conversion.

London Cornish finished the year with another good win as they defeated Wimbledon 9-7 in London 3 SW, Dickon Moon’s match report can be found in the link

In the Cornwall & Devon league, Penryn go into the New Year as league leaders following a 31-15 win at the Memorial Ground against Wellington. Charlie Ross, Robert Trevaskis, Josh Chambers (2), and Darren Pellow scored the Borough’s tries with Ben Parry kicking the other points.

Falmouth played their away game against OPM’s as a curtain-raiser at Plymouth Albion’s Brickfields ground before their match against Nottingham. Despite a promising start which saw Falmouth leading 14-3, they slipped to another defeat as the “home” side won 15-14. Steve Rowe scored a try for the Chiefs with Tom Spiller and James Instance (2) adding penalties.

Hayle match against Plymstock was postponed.

Truro won 13-3 at home against Bideford, Ollie Wickett kicked a penalty and Sean Roseveare a try, which Scott Martin converted, Truro’s final score came from Ross Martin’s drop-goal.

Saltash lost at home to Tavistock 43-18, No. 8 Dominic Hill scoring two tries for the Ashes.

With it being the festive season I wish One & All a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as we say in Cornwall;

NADELEK LOWEN, ha NOWETH BLEDHEN DA

BOXING DAY FIXTURES

REDRUTH 53 – 0 CAMBORNE

FALMOUTH 0 – 31 PENRYN

HAYLE 0 – 46 ST. IVES

There was no fairy-tale ending to the camels mamouth trek north in the EDF-Energy National Trophy 3rd Rd tie at National Division 2 side Tynedale on Saturday as the northeners won 39-5. Wadebridge fought to the end and were rewarded with an un-converted try scored by Olly Hawkey. Well done lads on a brave effort, Wadebridge and Cornwall are proud of you.

Redruth, with a much changed side also bowed out at this stage losing at Sharmans Cross Road 31 – 8 to Birminigham & Solihull, with replacement Richard Brown scoring a try to add to an earlier Mark Scrivener penalty. The following observation was sent to me by Cornish rugby supporter Stu Hoy who was present at the game;

The scoreline 31-8 flatters to deceive!

This was a fine display of courage and determination by a Reds XV who continually put pressure on Bees throughout decisive parts of the game. A try either side of the break rocked Reds who fought back to get a late reply only to see Bees with a breakaway try in stoppage time. Redruth Rugby Club should be proud of their full club squad who performed like terriors and represented their club in the true tradition of Cup Rugby. It was Reds who gained more out of this display and the fixture should hold no fear for the returning Cornish in 2009.

Kernow bys Vyken

The Cornish All Blacks tie at Wharfedale fell foul of the weather and will be played this coming Saturday.

Mount’s Bay booked their place in the next round with a 24-7 win over Barking at the Mennaye. Flanker Brett Stroud, lock Ben Hilton, full-back Mike Molloy and replacement Duke Seymour scored Bay’s tries with fly-half Dan Hawkes adding a couple of conversions.

So in today’s 4th Rd draw made at Twickenham; the Cornish Pirates entertain Southend, Mount’s Bay take on Esher, the Cornish All Blacks, should they prevail in their 3rd round tie at Wharfedale will take on Birmingham & Solihull at Polson. Ties to be played on Saturday 17th January.

With no Cornish interest in the Intermediate Cup, attention also focused on the Senior and Junior Vases.

In the Senior Vase, Camborne defeated Tavistock 15-8, Shane Woods and Sam Bartle scoring Town’s tries and David Mankee kicking a conversion and penalty. A Camborne home draw in the next round will make for an interesting conundrum with regards to the Cornish Pirates and Mount’s Bay’s home ties!!!

Truro found Western Counties West pace-setters Cullompton too hot-to-handle as the Devonians won 39-6.

In the London section of the draw, London Cornish had a good win over Winchester 15-12 in difficult conditions with all the points scored in the first-half, coach Dickon Moon’s report can be read here.

In the Junior Vase, Liskeard & Looe had a good win at Castle Carey 28-3, St. Austell thumped Redruth Albany 90-0, whilst Perranporth bowed out at Honiton 39-6.

A little bit of catch up in the Tribute leagues last weekend, unfortunatly St. Ives game at Brixham, in South West 2 West was once again called off, however in Western Counties West, Newquay Hornets played Devonport Services and won 14-10 after trailing 10-0. Simon Horton kicked three penalties and Simon Lutey scored a try.

In the Cornwall & Devon League Penryn stretched their lead at the top with an 11-6 win over Bideford, Taron Peacock landed a couple of penalties and Justin Doney scored a try.

This Saturday sees a cracking Cornish derby in National League 2 as Redruth take on a much improved Mount’s Bay at the Rec with a 2 pm kick-off. Not to forget at the Sportscentre Newquay Hornets hosting Wadebridge Camels in the match-of-the-day in Western Counties West. Sunday the Cornish Pirates take on Coventry in National League 1 at Camborne kick-off 2pm.

After the bitter disappointment of the defeat last Saturday evening at Plymouth Albion, the Cornish Pirates consigned that defeat to the history books with a wonderful bonus point in the splendid confines of Old Deer Park defeating London Welsh by 38-23. Irishman Brian Tuohy led the way in the scoring stakes with the flying winger helping himself to a hat-trick of tries. Tries also for centre Mark Ireland and scrum-half Ed Fairhurst. Tom Luke, who had to fill-in to the backrow during the second half, and Jimmy Moore kicked conversions, whilst Luke added a penalty and Simon Whatling a brace of drop-goals. The only downside injuries to Matt Evans and Chris Morgan to further deplete already stretched backrow options. A result, which leaves the Pirates in 7th place in National League 1 at the mid-way point of the season.

In National League 2, wins all-round for our Cornish clubs. After last week’s reversal at home Redruth got back to winning ways with a 26-15 win at Stourton Park over Stourbridge. No.8 Mark Bright scored two of Redruth’s four tries with the others scored by skipper PJ Gidlow and a Penalty Try. Mark Scrivener added three conversions. With Birmingham & Solihull surprisingly losing at home to Tynedale, Redruth’s lead at the top has now gone back to 7 points.

The Cornish All Blacks scored all their points during the first half as they comfortably defeated Westcombe Park 45-19 at Polson. Leading 45-5 at half-time, thanks to two tries each from No. 8 Glen Remnant and winger Marc Dibble with centre Ryan Westren and the rest of the backrow Josh Lord and Sam Hocking also touching down. Adam Staniforth kicked five conversions and Tim Collier picked up another yellow card to add to his impressive collection! A result, which should now set up the Launceston club for a big charge during the second-half of the season.

Mount’s Bay recorded their first five-pointer of the season with a 41-16 win over Waterloo at the Mennaye. With on-loan Pirate Doug Sanft making his Bay debut, it was full-back Dan Hawkes who stole the kicking honours with five conversions a penalty and a drop-goal. Bay’s tries were scored by flanker Brett Stroud (2), Steve Johns, Darren Ritchie and Jamie Salter.

In the Tribute Regional Leagues, in South West 2 West, St. Ives battled to a 10-10 draw at Clevedon with Hano Dirksen again scoring a try and Karl Martin adding the conversion and a penalty.

In Western Counties West, good news at last for Bude who recoreded their first win in the league this season with a 38-7 win over Withycombe at Bencoleen. Bude scored five tries through Mark Dennis, Matt Williams, Matt Trewin (2) and Paul Williams. Olly Denford with one and Ollie Raynor (4) kicked the conversions, Raynor also adding a penalty.

Not much joy for our three other Cornish clubs in this league, Wadebridge Camels perhaps with an eye on next saturday’s date at Tynedale in the the EDF-Energy National Trophy, lost 14-6 at Devonport Services, Josh Taylor with a couple of Camel penalties. Camborne lost 20-0 at Tiverton, whilst Newquay Hornets lost 8-0 at Ivybridge. Camels look like to be the only side in with a shout of a play-off place at this stage of the season, with Cullompton on maximum points way out in front.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish had a very good win over Tottonians by 34-29, Dickon Moon’s fine report covers every aspect of this encounter.

At least it’s looking brighter in the Cornwall & Devon League with Penryn top following their fine win 50-3 over deadly rivals Falmouth at the Recreation Ground. The Borough ran in seven tries against Falmouth with Josh Chambers scoring three, Darren Pellow two, Taron Peacock and Charlie Ross scoring the other two. Peacock converted six tries and a penalty. For Falmouth former Borough player Alex Sutheridge kicked a penalty. These two sides will meet again on Boxing Day, once again at the Falmouth Rec.

Truro beat Hayle 11-3 in a tough game. Ben Chenoweth scored a try for Truro with Scott Martin kicking a penalty and then Ross Martin dropping a goal. Paul Lello kicked a penalty for the Lions.

Saltash found Bideford too hot to handle as the North Devon side won 69-7.

On Wednesday evening we saw a good game between the Australians and the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium to mark the centenary of the Olympic tournament played at the old White City stadium. Of course the Wallabies opponents were Cornwall 100 years ago, so it was fitting that the Baabaas played in Cornish socks. As they did in 1908 the Australians won this time by 18-11 to lift the “Cornwall Cup”. It would be a good gesture to put this trophy up for play each time the Wallabies play the Barbarians rather than gather dust in a trophy cabinet down-under! The Cornwall RFU were well represented at the match with no less than fourteen members of the committee making the trip to the capital! IOC President Jacques Rogge was also present, the former Belgian rugby player and yatchsman having learned the sport from trips to Bude in his youth.

Watching the Heineken Cup last weekend apart from the pink goal posts at Stade de France, the other inovation that caught the eye was the “hot tub” at the Stade Ernst-Wallon in Toulouse during the home side’s match with Newport-Gwent Dragons. With suitably clad bathing beauties displaying the website for the manufactuers of the tubs on their swimsuits they certainly got their money’s worth with TV exposure (excuse pun!). All it needed was a well struck penalty to land in the tub as an excuse for a free-for-all charge by the players for an early bath!!! I am sure Joe Bearman would have enjoyed a dip! Could you just see such a thing at Camborne or Redruth? In this day and age you never know!!! It could help “plug” the gap in finance for next season!!

It wasn’t the best day for our Cornish clubs in the National Leagues on Saturday not one win between the four of them, only the Cornish All Blacks can grimace at the fact that they’ll have to play it again as the floodlights failed at Blackheath.

I travelled to Redruth and witnessed Redruth’s fine run ended by a gritty Cambridge side, who knew that a defeat would in all probability extinguished their faint promotion hopes for this season. A win by 19-18 certainly keeps their hopes flickering for a while yet.

You could tell it was going to be one of those days when on arriving at the ground spectators were told they couldn’t park as the top field was too boggy.Yet Redruth should today be sitting pretty with 12 wins, chances they most certainly had to be well out of sight by half-time, unfortunatly Paul Thirlby had an off day with his kicking, whilst other chances were spurned. However credit to Cambridge for taking their chances especially their two killer blows struck from distance by fly-half Craig Evans a penalty and then the match winning drop-goal from 55 meters.

There was a fair bit of confusion as to who scored Redruth’s second try on Saturday, looking through my binoculars it looked very much like Owen Hambly, even though Ricky Pellow was announced as the scorer over the PA. On Sunday I saw a photo, which appeared to show PJ Gidlow as the try scorer, then on Monday another angle on the photo made it look like Hambly!! Whoever got it well done and I hope I don’t offend if my report carries the wrong name, gut reactions are often the correct ones.

Mount’s Bay little run of four wins on the trot ended at Dockham Road as Cinderford who came up with them from National League 3 South last season won 41-12. Fraser Cliverd got both Bay’s tries with Dan Hawkes adding a conversion.

Saturday tea-time saw the National League 1 derby match at the Brickfields between Plymouth Albion and the Cornish Pirates with once again wily old Graham Dawe getting the better of the Pirates as Albion won 20-12 in front of a decent crowd of 5,421. Winger Brian Tuohy scored a try for the Pirates who also had a penalty-try awarded as centre Mark Ireland was high-tackled by Albion’s Keni Fislau resulting in a yellow-card for the Tongan centre. Jimmy Moore kicked the conversion. Another tough away trip for the Pirates next Saturday as they head to London to take on London Welsh at Old Deer Park.

In the Tribute regional league, in South West 2 West, a good win for St. Ives at home as they beat Sidmouth 29-28. Parading new signing Kiwi Hirini Robin at inside centre, it was another of the Hakes overseas players young American Hano Dirksen who scored both of St. Ives’ tries with Karl Martin kicking both conversions and five penalty goals.

In Western Counties West, the North Cornwall derby between Wadebridge Camels and Bude went the way of the County Cup holders 20-14. Andy Cameron, Dan Briskham, Olly Hawkey and Sean Hawkey all scored un-converted tries for the Camels in a hard fought close encounter. Mark Dennis and Dave Uglow scored tries for Bude with Ollie Rayner adding both conversions.

At Camborne, the home side had a 15-10 win over visitors Weston Hornets, prop Leigh Hocking and winger Cameron Bone scored tries for the Cherry & Whites with Dave Mankee adding a conversion and a penalty.

The match at Newquay Hornets between the home side and Devonport Services was abandoned after 35 minutes with the score at 3-3 following an injury to Hornets lock Dan Johns who broke his leg, we wish him a quick recovery.

Up in London 3 SW, London Cornish lost at London Irish Amateurs by 24-21, you can read Dickon Moon’s match report in the link

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn left it late to snatch a win at home against Crediton 11-5. Trailing 5-3 with just a Taron Peacock penalty to show for their efforts, Peacock then scored a try on 80 minutes before Marek Churcher dropped a goal to ensure the win.

Truro won a bad-tempered Cornish derby at Saltash 19-6 with the referee ending the contest 10 minutes early. Truro led at the break 19-3, thanks to tries from Tim Gay, David O’Donnell and Sam Faughan, O’Donnell adding a couple of penalties. Foer Saltash Steve Down kicked a penalty in each half.

Falmouth’s poor season continues with another defeat this time at leaders Okehampton 22-3.

Hayle lost at home to Tavistock 12-9, three Mike Crump penalties made up the Lions’ score.

So the All Blacks, the New Zealand ones that is, completed their third grand slam in the British Isles with a 32-6 win over England at Twickenham to lift the Sir Edmund Hillary Shield. England’s discipline let them down badly, losing four player to the sin-bin, it’s something you cannot afford especially against the All Blacks. Remarkably Dan Carter had an off day with the boot otherwise the score would have been far greater.

Watching the match on TV confirmed once again just how awful the Twickenham crowd have become, I am afraid that they are heading down the road of the round ball lot. Boorish and ill-mannered. The booing of the goal kicker, the disrespect for the Haka, they aren’t real rugby people and I have got no time for them!

What a marvellous result for Wadebridge Camels in their EDF-Energy National Trophy 2nd round tie at home to Shelford at the weekend. A 22-15 win sees them into the next round and a trip to……..Tynedale!

That is in the future, the win over London 1 league leaders is one to be savoured first. Despite falling behind to an early converted try Camels hit back with a try from flanker Matt Angwyn. A second try for the visitors and a Leigh Charles penalty for the home side left Shelford leading 12-8 at the break. Camels lifted their game in the second half playing some exciting rugby, they took the lead after 50 minutes with a try from Ben Miskowicz with Charles adding the extras. Shelford levelled with a penalty, before Andy Cameron scored the winning try which Charles converted. Roll on Tynedale!

It’s a shame that BBC Radio Cornwall didn’t take the opportunity to cover this game on Saturday. A good PR chance lost really.

The other 3rd round ties involving Cornish clubs sees National 2 league leaders Redruth travel to Birmingham & Solihull in the tie of the round. The Cornish All Blacks travel to Wharfedale, whilst the only tie to be played in Cornwall sees Mount’s Bay entertain Barking. All ties will be played on the weekend of the 13th/14th December.

Cornwall’s only represenatives in this seaon’s Intermediate Cup St. Ives bowed out after losing 17-14 at home to Clifton.

In the Senior Vase, London Cornish sealed a remarkable comeback with a 28-25 win over Hove, Dickon Moon’s report is in the link

Truro overcame Bude at Bencoolen Meadow 16-10, Ben Chenoweth and Sam Vaughan scored Truro’s tries with Danile Dunkin kicking a couple of penalties. Camborne defeated Newquay Hornets at the Recreation Ground 13-0 with tries from Sam Bartle and Adam Notman and a Dave Mankee penalty.

In the Junior Vase a good win for Liskeard & Looe at Stithians 32-10, whilst St. Austell defeated former finalists Helston 35-12. Perranporth beat Bodmin 15-10 and Redruth Albany beat Old Technicans 27-15 to progress.

Sunday saw a good performance from the Cornish Pirates as they defeated Sedgley Park 56-14. You can read my match report on the main site.